Asiatic lion
Panthera leo persica
The lion (Panthera leo) is divided into up to twelve subspecies, the majority of which are native to Africa. One exception is the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), which is the only subspecies to be found in Asia. According to historical records, the Asiatic lion's range extended from south-eastern Europe, including Bulgaria and Greece, to India around 2000 years ago. At present, however, its habitat is restricted to the Gir National Park in the Indian state of Gujarat.
In 1913, the Asiatic lion was on the verge of extinction, with an estimated population of only 20 individuals. It was the then ruler of Gujarat, himself a passionate big game hunter, who placed the remaining lion populations in the Gir forest under his protection. In 1955, India imposed a national ban on hunting, and in 1965 a protected area of 1412 square kilometers was established in the Gir forest. The conservation measures led to an increase in the population, which has since grown to over 500 individuals. However, this growth resulted in an overpopulation within the limited protected area, which led to the expansion of the lions' habitat beyond the boundaries of the reserve. In these areas, human-wildlife conflicts occur time and again. To counteract this problem, Zoo Zurich supported a project over several years to establish a second sanctuary in India to relocate the lions.
Asian lions differ in appearance from their African counterparts. They are smaller on average and have a characteristic, longitudinal skin fold on their belly, which is not present in African lions. In addition, male Asiatic lions have a less pronounced mane with shorter hair. The skull structures of the two subspecies also show slight but measurable differences, which are used, among other things, for taxonomic differentiation.
The Asiatic lion is an important example of the success of species conservation measures. Its long-term conservation depends on solving existing challenges such as habitat limitation and the associated overpopulation, as well as the resolution of human-animal conflicts.
| Classification | carnivores, cats, lions (12 subspecies) | ||
| Habitat | dry forest | ||
| Mode of life | diurnal, territorial | ||
| Social structure | pairs, small family packs (so-called "prides") | ||
| Diet | meat (deer, antelope, wild boar, pets) | ||
| Weight | females up to 130 kg, males up to 180 kg, newborns 1 to 1.5 kg | ||
| Head to torso length | up to 190 cm | ||
| Shoulder height | 70 to 110 cm | ||
| Tail length | up to 100 cm | ||
| Gestation period | 105 to 110 days | ||
| Litter size | 2 to 4 young | ||
| Sexual maturity | females 4 years, males 5 years | ||
| Life span | 18 years | ||
| Use | bones for Chinese medicine | ||
| Current population | 350 animals (as of today), only in the Gir region in India, around 100 animals in European zoos | ||
| At Zoo Zurich since | 1991 (purebred animals), a total of 19 young animals, internationally coordinated breeding (EEP) |
Distribution
